Police have denied cordoning off Zwelihle to control black residents' access to the Hermanus CBD on Thursday.

Strips of police tape blocked access along a main exit point and cones and police cars were placed at through routes.

"The only thing we are doing, we are just containing movement in and out of the area to stabilise the area first because the national minister [of police Bheki Cele] is visiting Zwelihle tomorrow (Friday)," Cluster commander Brigadier Donovan Heilbron told News24.

Speaking on the sidelines of a small outdoor meeting near the Harbour Master's office, Heilbron said it was never a decision by the SA Police Service to cordon off Zwelihle.

"We cannot restrict people's movements," he said.

News24 observed police turning mostly men back when they attempted to walk to the CBD over the double line of yellow tape set up on Swartdam Road. Police officers and vehicles were also parked nearby and a Nyala was idling. Only a few men were allowed to pass after negotiating with the police, but women were allowed through.

Heilbron said these measures were only in place for the morning when activist Gcobani Ndzongana was due in the Hermanus Magistrate's Court on charges of malicious damage to property and incitement. His arrest sparked the latest wave of unrest.

At the last court appearances during previous protests over land, crowds swelled along Harmony Road near the court.

When pressed, Heilbron said he would check with his officers to find out whether access was still being restricted in the afternoon.

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